GRADE II LISTED VILLAGE PUB REOPENS AFTER A THREE-WEEK REFURBISHMENT AND WITH A NEW, REFRESHED MENU

A village pub known for its great food and welcoming atmosphere has reopened with a new, brighter look and a refreshed menu too.

The Grade II listed Old Mill in Kennington, Ashford, part of Shepherd Neame’s estate, has just undergone a three-week refurbishment, including a full internal redecoration and a remodelled, more open bar area, along with improved lighting.

It also has new seating and planters outside in the courtyard area and grassed area, perfect for customers to drop in and enjoy an alfresco drink and some light bites during the summer months. 

The pub opened last Thursday (July 7) with the new look and on top of that now also offers a new, refreshed menu.

General Manager Jon Haile, who has been at the pub for nine years, said: “I think customers will be surprised by how different it looks – we have really brightened up the place. It has more of a warmer feel to it.

“We’ve always been a friendly pub, but we wanted to create a more welcoming, open atmosphere, so people feel able to just pop in and share a bottle of wine on the way home or some nibbles, without booking for a meal. It should feel like a nice relaxed, social place to be.”

The new menu will continue to offer the house classics, made with local produce, which the Old Mill is well known for, and diners will be able to choose from more mouthwatering specials which will also be changed more frequently.

Diners can choose from a selection of succulent 28-35 day dry-aged Home Counties steaks, served with sea salted chips, watercress and grilled tomato and mushroom. They range from an 8 ounce fillet steak and a 10 ounce rib eye steak, up to a 20 ounce porterhouse steak.

Current specials proving popular include an 8 ounce fillet steak, which has been pan fried with shitake mushrooms, broccoli, smoked chilli butter and sautéed mushrooms, or as an alternative to meat, pan fried sea bass.

The building dates back to the early 19th century, and the majority of team members have been at the site since it opened as the Old Mill nine years ago. “We have been lucky,” said Jon. “We have kept together, and I like to think we are a happy team. It also helps with continuity so that our customers see friendly, familiar faces - they know who they are going to be seeing.”

The Old Mill also offers a fantastic selection of Shepherd Neame’s ales and lagers, as well as a carefully selected wine list. It is popular with customers for special occasions, such as birthdays and family get-togethers.

The Old Mill can be found at Mill Lane, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4DZ. Book by calling 01233 661000, or by visiting www.theoldmill.co.